I.  Teach Truth (Not  Tradition)

“Those who seek the education that the world holds in such high esteem are gradually led further and further from the principles of truth until they become educated worldlings. At what a price they obtained their education! They separated themselves from the Holy Spirit of God. They chose to accept what the world calls knowledge, instead of the truths that God has entrusted to men through His pastors, prophets, and apostles. And some, having acquired this secular education, think they can introduce it into our schools. Let me tell you, however, that you should not take what the world calls higher education and bring it into our schools, hospitals, and churches. We need to understand these things. I speak to you emphatically. This must not be done.” Fundamentals of Christian Education, pp. 535, 536II.  Teach Salvation“The knowledge of true science is power; … but while the knowledge of science is power, the knowledge that Jesus came in person to impart is even greater power. The science of salvation is the most important of sciences to be learned in the preparatory earthly school. The wisdom of Solomon is desirable, but that of Christ is incomparably more desirable and essential.” The Faith I Live By, p. 321.III.  Teach the Bible First“The Holy Scriptures were the essential study in the schools of the prophets, and they should have the first place in every educational system…. Used as a textbook in our schools, the Bible will do for the mind and morals what cannot be done by books of science or philosophy.” The Advocate, Feb 1, 1900IV.  Teach the Spirit of Prophecy Also“All these truths are immortalized in my writings. The Lord never contradicts His Word. Men may present one device after another, and the enemy will seek to divert souls from the truth, but all who believe that the Lord has spoken through Sister White, and has given her a message, will be free from the many deceptions that will arise in these last days.” Manuscript Release 760, pp. 22 and 23. V.  Teach Nature Second“While the Bible should have the first place in the education of children and youth, the book of nature occupies the immediate place in importance.” Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students, p. 185VI.  Relate Everything to God“On every leaf in the forest, or stone in the mountains, on every shining star, on earth, in the air, and in the sky, the name of God was written. The order and harmony of creation spoke to them of infinite wisdom and power. They were always discovering some attraction that filled their hearts with deeper love and evoked new expressions of gratitude.” Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 51“Human histories recount man's achievements, his victories in battle, his success in rising to worldly greatness. God's history describes man as Heaven views him. In the divine records it is stated that all his merit consists in his obedience to God's requirements.” This Day With God, p. 350

“It is better to learn, in the light of God's prophecy, the causes that determined the rise and fall of kingdoms.” Education, p. 238

VII.  Teach Physiology“Every school should provide instruction in both physiology and hygiene, and as far as possible be provided with facilities to illustrate the structure, use, and care of the body.” Education, p. 196VIII.  Practical Training“Young people need to be taught that life means diligent work, responsibility, and care. They need preparation that will make them practical—that is, men and women who can face emergencies. They should be taught that the discipline of systematic, well-regulated work is essential, not only as a safeguard against the vicissitudes of life, but also as an aid to complete development.”Education, p. 215

“Students should be given practical education in agriculture. This will be of inestimable value to many in their future work.” Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students, p. 311IX.  Teach Service“The law of love calls for the consecration of body, spirit, and soul to the service of God and our fellow men. And this service, while making us a blessing to others, brings upon ourselves the greatest blessings. Self-denial is the basis of all true development. Through unselfish service we receive the highest culture of every faculty.” Education, p. 16X.  Study Life Experiences“In all the facts and experiences of life, a divine lesson and the possibility of divine companionship were revealed.” Education, p. 83“Learning thus the lessons in all created things and in all life experiences, show that the same laws that govern things in nature and the facts of life are those that govern us; that they were given for our good, and only in obedience to them can we find true happiness and success.” The Adventist Home, p. 145

Result“May our sons in their youth be like plants full-grown, and our daughters like corner pillars, carved like those of a palace.” Psalm 144:12

Pr. Wilbur Atwood, Wildwood Lifestyle Center

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